CO-OP PLACEMENT: Scape (www.scape.it)
Scape is a small-scale office with a young group of architects and engineers that work on projects within Italy as well as the other parts of Europe. They have their head office in Rome, and another in Paris. They mainly do competition projects which are on a wide range of scales, but mainly focus on public buildings such as museums, offices and schools. While I was there I helped out on a variety of projects using both computer software, model making and research skills.
FOOD & DRINK
PIANOSTRADA: LABORATORIO DI CUCINA – A tiny restaurant hidden in Trestevere with absolutely amazing food. Try the black ink burger.
COFFEE POT – Ever wanted to try a japanese/mexican fusion? I didn’t think so either but this place does it well. They have a great cocktail bar too. Fun alternative to Italian food.
KETUMBAR – One of my favourite places. Go for brunch on a Sunday, when they serve buffet style Italian comfort foods. Always filled with Italian families and fun (right in the middle of Testaccio).
SORA MARGHERITA – The best traditional Italian food you can find (in my opinion). Everything on the menu is great. Fresh pasta and melt in your mouth meats that make you want to come back. Tucked into the Jewish Ghetto.
GIOLITTI – A classic staple of Rome. It’s always crowded with tourists and locals alike.
CAMPO DE FIORI – A lively market space in the morning and piazza at night. The produce is fresh and beautiful, fun to walk through even just to browse.
BALADIN – Craft beer bar with almost 40 beers on tap. Beer is hard to find in Rome, so this place is a gem.
BAR SAN CALISTO – You can’t live in Rome and not visit this place. It’s an icon of the city, especially for the school (literally 30 seconds away). Grab a cappucino in the morning and a chocolate gelato later in the day. Cheap beer and good vibes.
PLACES TO SEE
VATICAN MUSEUM – Home to the Sistine Chapel and many other stunning works of art. A must-see.
GIARDINI DEGLI ARANCI – AKA Garden of Oranges. Probably my favourite spot in Rome. Filled with couples and families, it’s a beautiful garden. Also next door is the keyhole view of the Basilica.
GIANICOLO FOUNTAIN – If you’ve seen the film The Great Beauty, you’ll know this fountain from the beginning scene. Another great viewpoint of the city. Worth the hike.
OUTDOOR – Awesome urban art festival, celebrating graffiti around the city.
RIALTO SANTAMBROGIO – Fun dance club in the Jewish Ghetto. Held in an old school, you can grab a drink from the basketball courtyard and dance in the classrooms above.
PIAZZA NAVONA – When I think of Rome I imagine Piazza Navona. It’s always filled with people and live music. Lots of intricate streets nearby to walk along too.
GALLERIA BORGHESE – My favourite museum in Rome. Caravaggio paintings and Bernini sculptures fill this building. It’s stunning.
PANTHEON – It’s just like in Rick’s lectures. As an architecture student you are obliged to come here.
BORGHESE GARDENS – While you’re at the museum, check out the rest of the park too. Some of the best views of the city from here.
MACRO – Cool modern art museum off policlinico station. Also check out the one in Testaccio.
MAXXI – I’m usually not a big fan of Zaha but this museum is really nice. The exhibitions are often really interesting too.
